Lava flows continue to burn through forest

Lava has erupted a few times from two different spatter cones on Puu Oo's crater floor over the past few weeks. These show up as the lighter-colored flows on the near (southeast) flank of Puu Oo. The larger spatter cone to the right, with the obvious fume trace leading away from it to the right is the source of the Kahaualea 2 flow.

Incandescent skylights adorn the spatter cone and the lava tube in this close shot of the source for the Kahaualea 2 flow. The lighter-colored flows in the foreground are recent flows that broke out from the near side of the spatter cone.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory cameras tracking the Kahaualea 2 lava flow at the middle east rift zone of Kilauea volcano revealed small scattered breakouts burning forest areas near the northern-most branch of the flow.

The flow, which started in May, is being fed by the a spatter cone on the floor of Puu Oo crater. The tip of the flow continues to move northward, probably following an older lava channel, according to the observatory.

At the summit, tiltmeters recorded the latest switch from deflation to inflation at the summit lava lake, located within a cylindrical vent cavity set within the east wall and floor of Halemaumau Crater.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Because only subscribers are allowed to comment, we have your personal information and are able to contact you. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, email commentfeedback@staradvertiser.com.

Leave a comment

Name:

Comment:

Please login to leave a comment.

cojefwrote:

Since 1983, Kilauea has been spouting lava and one begins to wonder when will it end. Yeah, I know, when Madame Pele says so?